Accreditation of Experiential Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I claim for?

You can claim AEL for individual modules or for an entire level of study, up to a maximum of 50% of the total credits associated with the award.

At UEL our programmes of study are made up of modules. A module is a separate credit-rated block of learning, with credit allocated on the basis of 10 hours of study for each credit.

For example: standard modules are 20 credits in size for undergraduate programmes or 30 credits in size for postgraduate programmes. An honours degree is composed of 360 credits at Level One or Higher including 120 credits at Level One or Higher, 120 credits at Level Two or Higher and 120 credits at Level Three or Higher. Therefore the maximum AEL that could be claimed for an honours degree would be 180 credits, or 9 standard modules.

What happens if my learning only covers part of a module?

The minimum you can claim AEL for is a module - you cannot claim AEL for part of a module or to gain exemption from individual assessments. If you’re not sure if your learning covers all of the learning outcomes for a module, you should check with your AEL coordinator.

Can I claim credit for a whole level of study?

You can apply for credit for individual modules or for whole levels of study.

What is meant by 'general' and 'specific' credit?

If you are applying for a module, you will need to check the programme specification to check whether it is a core module or optional to your programme of study.

If the module is a core module you will need to demonstrate that your certified learning meets all of the learning outcomes for the module (this is called specific credit).  If you do not know what the learning outcomes are, you can ask your programme leader.

If the module is an option module, you can apply for general credit.  Your learning will be mapped against the UEL level descriptor.

If you wish to apply for credit for a whole level, you can apply for general credit.  Your learning will be mapped against the UEL level descriptor.

I’m not sure about what is meant by qualification ‘levels’ or 'level descriptors'. Where can I find out more information?

Learning takes place at many different levels. For example, the learning required to obtain a GSCE in Biology is very different in scope and depth from the learning required to obtain a PhD in Biology. The different levels of learning, as specified by the UK National Qualifications Framework, are illustrated by the table below: :

Years one to three of an undergraduate honours degree are roughly equivalent to NVQ levels 4-6.

The UEL level descriptors (based on the FHEQ - Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) describe the learning outcomes which a student should be able to demonstrate for the award of a qualification at each level of higher education. For example, in order to complete the first year of an undergraduate degree, a student will normally be expected to be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study
• evaluate and interpret underlying concepts and principles within the context of their area(s) of study;
• present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data;
• develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study;
• evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to their area(s) of study and/or work;
• undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment.

You can find the level descriptors for all UEL awards in the Manual of General Regulations:

http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/manual/documents/PART1-Descriptions-Amended-November2007.DOC

It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with these level descriptors before applying for general credit.

How do I know if my prior learning is appropriate for the level of study?

Learning about any subject can be at many levels and it is important that your prior leaning is at the right level for Higher Education. Check the level of the module you want to apply for and look carefully at the learning outcomes before considering whether your learning matches the level indicated. If you are applying for a whole level, check the UEL level descriptors. If in doubt, consult your AEL coordinator.

I have an NVQ level 3 in my subject – I know this is not the right level for Higher Education, but my experiences at work have developed my understanding much further Do you think I have a potential claim?

If your learning has reached a higher level and is relevant to your chosen programme, it is very likely that you have a claim. You can discuss this further with your AEL coordinator.

I learned something from work that seems relevant to my programme although it’s not exactly on the same subject. Does this matter?

Lots of useful learning is gained from work situations. If you have learned something that seems relevant to the programme you are interested in, it is worth checking with your AEL coordinator to see if you can claim credit for this.

I have already completed some study in the same subject as the programme I am interested in. Can this be used for AEL?

If you have qualifications or previous academic credits in the subjects covered by your programme, you may be able to gain exemption from certain modules, or even gain direct entry at a higher level. If this learning is certificated, credit can be awarded through ACL (Accreditation of Certificated Learning). Even if you did not complete your previous studies, you can still use them as part of your AEL claim.

I have a qualification from many years ago. Can this be used for AEL?

Previous learning can be accredited, but it must still be relevant and up-to-date. Developments in your subject area, such as new ideas, techniques or regulations can sometimes make old learning redundant. If you have not kept your learning up-to-date it will not satisfy the criteria for AEL.

In addition, your previous learning will not be of much help if you can no longer remember much of it.

What does an AEL claim look like?

Your claim will be in the form of a portfolio which includes a position statement and examples of evidence that prove your learning. This evidence must be organised into a standard format to clearly demonstrate that you have met all the learning outcomes on the module(s) that you are claiming for. You will find forms to help you organise your portfolio here.

What is a ‘position statement’?

A position statement is a short, reflective piece of writing (typically around 1000-2000 words) that outlines the case for your AEL claim. It:
- Uses examples of life or work experiences to illustrate relevant prior learning.
- Analyses present knowledge and skills, and relates these to the proposed programme of study.
- Considers prior learning experiences in a way that is reflective, not just descriptive.
- Identifies present learning aims and objectives, and outlines your action plan for development.
(More information about the position statement can be found here)

How long is my AEL credit valid for?

Once AEL has been awarded, the credit will be valid for the same time period as any modular credit. The time limit for completion of a programme is eight years after first enrolment on the programme.

When should I make my claim?

Most claims are made prior to the start of the programme or shortly afterwards when students have had an opportunity to look at the learning that is planned. However, on some occasions students make later claims when it becomes apparent that they already know more than they realised. There is no deadline, but the claim must be made before the student registers on and begins the module.

How long does it take to prepare an AEL claim?

Making an AEL claim can be time consuming. You have to factor in the time it takes you to think about what you know and how this relates to the learning outcomes on your programme; the time it takes to assemble all the evidence to back up your claim; and finally the time it takes to put together the evidence and position statement in an indexed and clearly referenced portfolio.

As a guideline, the short course run by the School of Psychology to help students claim AEL involves 60 guided learning hours. Depending on the size of your claim, if you work a little at a time, it will probably take between 3-8 weeks to complete the portfolio.

Making an ACL claim (for certificated prior learning) is generally a quicker process.

What does the AEL coordinator do?

Your AEL coordinator can give advice abut making a claim, clarify the regulations, give a preliminary assessment, and make suggestions about the evidence you need to support your claim. They do not write the claim for you, and they do not get involved in the assessment of your claim.

Who are the AEL panel?

The panel consists of academics from the school which runs your programme. Usually it will include the programme or module leader for your area as well as other subject experts.

What happens after I have made my claim?

Your claim will be passed to an AEL assessor who is an expert in your subject. He or she will write a report on your claim, which will be considered by the school AEL panel, who will decide the outcome of your claim. Any credits awarded will be conferred by the school assessment boards, which meet at the end of each semester (in February and June). This process is illustrated in the flowchart below.

Any AEL credit awarded will appear on your transcript, together with an indication that this credit was gained through AEL.

Can I claim AEL for all programmes of study?

It may not be possible to claim credit towards some qualifications which are accredited by professional bodies (for example in Law, Psychology or Social Work etc).  If in doubt please ask your programme leader or programme admissions tutor.

Are there any disadvantages to claiming AEL?

An important part of the learning experience is to join in with others on your programme, share ideas and good practice, and become part of the learning community. Exemption from large parts of a programme may mean that you are losing valuable learning opportunities, or spending too much time putting AEL claims together rather than joining in with the learning activities of the group. This may well be detrimental to your learning experience.

In addition, you should be aware that an AEL claim may affect your status if you receive funding as a full-time student, or if you are an international student. If this applies to you, please check with your AEL coordinator or your programme admissions tutor before making a claim.

Before you make an AEL claim you should always carefully weigh up the advantages and disadvantages – your AEL coordinator will be able to advise you further.

UEL HOMESEARCH